Minneapolis Aquatennial Kicks Off on Wednesday, July 22
Monday, July 20, 2015 at 6:21AMMINNEAPOLIS (July 20, 2015) — The Minneapolis Aquatennial kicks off on Wednesday through Saturday, July 25 and includes headlining events such as the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks—one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the country.
The event, which unveiled its new look in early July, will include a jam-packed four-day lineup of events with a focus on proximity near the Mississippi River—the origins of the City of Minneapolis and historically the city’s first tie to its water-related identity.
Other events highlighting this year’s Aquatennial include the Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show on the Mississippi River between Plymouth and Broadway bridges, the Aquatennial Tennis Classic and The Salvation Army’s MOST Amazing Race presented by CenterPoint Energy beginning and ending at the Stone Arch Bridge.
New events, such as: Aquatennial CorePower Yoga presented by Go Outside with Hennepin County, Historic Aquatennial presented by Cambria, Aquatennial Ambassador Organization’s Rockin’ the Waves Dance Party and New Belgium Brewing’s Tour De Fat were all added this year to welcome all ages and abilities to take part in celebrating Minneapolis’ longstanding summer tradition.
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is free and open to the public. The two events listed below do require registration either individually or as a team.
· Life Time Torchlight 5k: Starting at the Basilica of St. Mary and ending with a legendary post-race party, this 5k is a fun run for everyone! Registration is available online, in-person at participating retailers, and on the day of the event.
· The Salvation Army’s MOST Amazing Race presented by CenterPoint Energy: Modeled after the famous TV show, teams race around Minneapolis and participate in a series of mental and physical challenges. Find a teammate and register today because only 100 teams can participate in the qualifying competition. The earlier you register, the more time you have to raise cash – and top fundraisers get a competitive advantage the day of the race!
Start planning your own agenda to enjoy the Minneapolis Aquatennial with this comprehensive list of events:
Wednesday, July 22
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. *NEW* Historic Aquatennial Presented by Cambria
Cambria Gallery on 7th, 625 2nd Ave. S.
Commissioned by the Hennepin History Museum, this iconic display showcases photos, costumes and documents of historical Aquatennial events.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Aquatennial Tennis Classic
Canadian Pacific Plaza, 2nd Ave. S. & S. 5th St.
One of the premier outdoor, urban tennis tournaments, this event features some of the best players in the area competing for a cash prize of $6,500.
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO), Meet the Queen of the Lakes Candidates
Downtown Minneapolis, City Center Atrium, 40 S. 7th St.
Come meet the young women from across Minnesota vying to become the next Queen of the Lakes.
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Loring Park Family Fun Night
Loring Park
Loring Park Family Fun Night is a family-focused event held just blocks from the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade. Activities include food trucks, pony rides, inflatables, canoe rides, a kids’ dance, carnival games, and more.
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. *NEW* Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur Canoe Rides at Loring Park Family Fun Night
Loring Park
Free voyageur canoeing and paddling instruction open to people of all abilities, including people with disabilities. Experienced Wilderness Inquiry guides will provide all equipment needed, ensuring a safe and fun experience for all.
7:30 p.m. Life Time Torchlight 5k
Hennepin Ave. from Basilica of St. Mary to Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
Grab your friends, family and running shoes and join the Life Time Torchlight 5k. It doesn’t matter if you are a dedicated runner or just a beginner because this is the party of the year that just happens to start with a run! Open to all ages and abilities. Stick around for live music, food and beverages at the post-race party.
8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. FLAGSHIP EVENT: CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
Hennepin Ave. between Dunwoody College of Technology & 5th St.
Brighten up your summer with the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade. This one-of-a-kind parade will illuminate downtown with bands, floats and fun for all ages.
Thursday, July 22
8 a.m. – 9 p.m. *NEW* Historic Aquatennial Presented by Cambria
Cambria Gallery on 7th, 625 2nd Ave. S.
(See July 22 for details)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Aquatennial Tennis Classic
Canadian Pacific Plaza, 2nd Ave. S & S 5th St.
(See July 22 for details)
10 a.m. Aquatennial Senior Alumni Association (SAA), 500 Card Tournament
James Ballentine VFW Post 246, 2916 Lyndale Ave. S.
Fun is in the cards at this annual tourney open to adults
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 pm. *NEW* Aquatennial CorePower Yoga presented by Go Outside with Hennepin County
Target Field Station, 5th St. N. & 5th Ave. N.
Go Outside with Hennepin County and enjoy a great day of exercise during the Minneapolis Aquatennial through CorePower Yoga. Join us at Target Field Station on a July afternoon to take in the weather and the atmosphere that comes with the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m.—come early to get a spot as high attendance is expected!
6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show (Two Shows)
Mississippi River, West Bank along W. River Rd. between Broadway & Plymouth bridges
Join Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael as they battle the forces of evil for control of the Mississippi River—and eat some pizza, too! Bring a beach towel or lawn chair and enjoy this free show for the whole family!
Friday, July 24
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. *NEW* Historic Aquatennial Presented by Cambria
Cambria Gallery on 7th, 625 2nd Ave. S.
(See July 22 for details)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Aquatennial Tennis Classic
Canadian Pacific Plaza, 2nd Ave. S & S 5th St.
(See July 22 for details)
7 p.m. *NEW* AAO Rockin’ the Waves Dance Party
Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, 225 3rd Ave. S.
The Rockin' the Waves Aqua Dance Party will feature the band "Rhino" and is a semi-formal event brought to you by the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization. The event includes interacting with visiting dignitaries from major U.S. festival friends of the Aquatennial and much more.
7:10 p.m. Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees
Target Field
Come support the Minnesota Twins as they take on the New York Yankees.
Saturday, July 25
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Aquatennial Community Event: Tour de Camden
Starting at Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Ave. N.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the seven neighborhoods of Camden. Food will be available after the event with historical stops along the route. The tour is presented by the Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Tour kicks off at 10 a.m.
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. The Salvation Army’s MOST Amazing Race presented by CenterPoint Energy
Various locations throughout Minneapolis
Modeled after the famous TV show and celebrating its 10th year, teams race around Minneapolis and participate in a series of mental and physical challenges. Teams finish at the Stone Arch Bridge and the winning team receives a $5,000 grand prize!
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. *NEW* New Belgium Brewing’s Tour De Fat
Loring Park
Tour De Fat is New Belgium Brewing’s traveling celebration of all-things bicycles. Enjoy a costumed bike parade, bike ride, on-stage entertainment, food, beverages and more. It also features a celebration of the inspirational car-for-bike swapper series in which brave souls hand over their car keys as a commitment to commute by bike.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. *NEW* Historic Aquatennial Presented by Cambria
Cambria Gallery on 7th, 625 2nd Ave. S.
(See July 22 for details)
11 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. *NEW*Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Activities
West River Parkway along the Mississippi River
Enjoy a day of fun leading up to the annual Target Fireworks festivities. Some of the events include: Kites, Butterflies & Mary Poppins with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), donate to the Aquatennial Blood Drive with Memorial Blood Centers (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), meet local heroes, try on gear and see an air boat, fire truck and smokehouse up close with the Minneapolis Fire Department (3 p.m.-10 p.m.), live music (6 p.m.-10 p.m.), food trucks, treats and more.
11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Twin Cities Carifest
West River Parkway between Plymouth Ave. & Broadway bridges
For 22 years, Twin Cities Carifest has been the premier Caribbean Festival featuring Caribbean food, music, arts, crafts, and a traditional carnival parade (4 p.m.) with colorful costumes and dance. Held along the banks of the Mississippi River, you can see the Minneapolis Aquatennial Target Fireworks!
12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Aquatennial Community Event: Midtown Phillips Festival
Stewart Park, 2700 block of 12th Ave. S.
A free, family and multicultural event showcasing local talent and food, featuring free carnival games, pony rides, storytelling, puppet shows, two stages with live music and a soccer exhibition.
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. AAO, Queen of the Lakes Coronation
Ted Mann Concert Hall, University of Minnesota West Bank
The Coronation of the Aquatennial Ambassadors will be held at the Ted Mann Concert Hall on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota where the 2016 Queen of the Lakes, Aquatennial Princesses, Commodore and Captains will be announced.
6:10 p.m. Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees
Target Field
Come support the Minnesota Twins as they take on the New York Yankees.
10 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. FLAGSHIP EVENT: Target Fireworks
West River Parkway along the Mississippi River
One of the largest annual firework shows in the country. The Target Fireworks will light up the Minneapolis sky with a spectacular pyrotechnic display.
About the Minneapolis Aquatennial
The Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council. The festival is sponsored by Target, CenterPoint Energy, U.S. Bank, Zeus Jones, Life Time Fitness, Xcel Energy, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minnesota Twins, Minneapolis Recycles, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, K102 and Go 96.3. For more information, please visit www.Aquatennial.com or call (612) 376-7669.
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